My Aren't We Social!

As I build the page I will highlight the updates with new blog posts.  This is the first...


What a whirlwind it has been since John Heald and Carnival announced our Pride will be coming back to Baltimore.  Many of you have found this little blog from the Cruise Critic Roll Call, others from the first (of now 3!) Facebook group page and we now have a thread going on Cruise Fellows and an account on Pinterest!

For those viewing in normal mode, all links for the relevant pages can be found on the right menu bar ----->
I know mobile viewers of this blog don't see the sidebars on the left and right.  Since all the links are on the right I will be adding the related links at the bottom of every post.

Cruise Critic Roll Call -  WOW is all I can say.  At time of this publication we are already up to 22 pages. This is really an incredible response and level of activity.  THIS WILL BE THE OFFICIAL ROLL CALL!

For those not familiar,  Cruise Critic offers a community forum for ALL things cruise related.  You can search the message forums by cruise line, port and roll call for nearly every sailing on every cruise line.  If you aren't a member yet I recommend you check it.  Log in set up is required to participate and starting in the Roll Call is a great way to get a feel for it before jumping into the deep end of the pool...There are a few sharks you will need to ignore ;)

Facebook - TA Led - This facebook page was started by two TAs, Una and Shelien, as soon as the cruise was announced and bookings opened.  There has been a lot of talk about this only being a TA page, not being a US based TA, etc.  I will be sharing their wealth of knowledge when I start the Port pages.

For full disclosure, here are a couple of clarifications and comments where I stand on this Facebook/TA thing...
1.  Yes, Una and Shelien are TAs and they did start the group page BUT they have made it very clear they want this to be a page for everyone to use and share input and ideas to make everyone's cruise better.
2.  Yes, Shelien lives in Curacao but Una lives in Orlando.  They are friends and work together on bookings and excursions.
3.  Now for the full disclosure part....  I booked with Una.  She is an absolute sweetheart and on the up and up.  I understand everyone being resistant to booking with someone out of the country, I had the same concerns.  I am not trying to convince anyone to book with them but please let's keep it respectful in any forum.

Facebook - Roll Call Led - This facebook page was started by a couple of early members to the CC Roll Call.  Another location for messaging and sharing ideas.  (Full Discloser:  I was made one of the admins of this group.)

3rd Facebook group - I have been told there is now ANOTHER Facebook group formed and they have a group booking they are trying to fill.  PLEASE no offense is meant but Enough is Enough is Overkill now.  I had to make a decision and that decision was to stop.  This group is not TA led and with the well established CC Roll Call, the TA Facebook, and the roll call organized Facebook, I really can't see how there is going to critical new or earth shattering opportunities provided.  I hope if they have such great opportunities they will be sharing on the CC Roll Call as well.

Cruise Fellows - This is a nifty little site that also sets up a picture roll call.  It collects and posts user provided profile information only.  There isn't a discussion board.  The other feature it offers is the opportunity to set up events such as cocktail party, slots pull, cabin crawl, excursions, etc.  It is all user driven.  We have such a large group already, I think this tool could be invaluable when it comes time to start organizing our events!

Pinterest - This is another tool that can be used for sharing ideas.  Have a pin you want to share?  Use the "send" feature and send to:  2015priderepo@gmail.com


Mobile Users:
Cruise Critic Roll Call
Facebook - TA Led
Facebook - Roll Call Led
Cruise Fellows
Pinterest


h/t to Pamela Krist on Facebook for this great graphic:

  Days!!